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National Preparedness Month Teacher Plan

Established in 2004, September is National Preparedness Month. The US observance reminds families to plan for emergencies. Resources included help students assist their families' preparedness in case of an emergency.

Students of all ages will be better equipped to handle emergencies and disasters. Students will be encouraged to work with their families in order to be prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

Students read the following Disaster Hero Stories and consider the discussion questions and activities. 

Tad Agoglia

By: Amanda Molinaro from Irvine

Tad Agoglia is founder of the First Response Team of America.

Welles Crowther

By: Brooke Ellis

Welles, Crowther, known as The Man in the Red Bandanna, saved 18 people in the 9/11 Twin Towers attack.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you know anyone who has helped others during or after a disaster? Share their story with MY HERO.

2. Have you or someone you know ever experienced a disaster? Share that story with MY HERO.

Learning Outcome 

Students of all ages will be better equipped to handle emergencies and disasters. Students will be encouraged to work with their families in order to be prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

It is important for students to talk with their families about what to do in the event of disaster. Included below are resources to help teach students to be prepared. The national public awareness campaign Ready.gov works to educate Americans on preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters. This website is a great disaster preparedness resource for those in any country to use at school and home. 

Teachers: Here is curriculum appropriate for all grade levels, available from Ready.gov.

Disaster Preparedness for Grades 1-12

Supplemental Curriculum from Ready.gov

First Step: Be Informed

Click on your state to learn more about which disasters could affect your area: https://www.ready.gov/kids/maps

Interactive Disaster Preparedness Map
Credit: Ready.gov

Use this resource to learn more about how to prepare for and respond to the possible risks in your area: https://www.ready.gov/be-informed.

 

 

Second Step: Create a Family Evacuation Plan

During disasters, cell phone reception may not be reliable. Students should talk with their families and create a family communication plan. The forms below will help students create the plan.

Family Communication Plan - Kids
Credit: FEMA
Family Communication Plan - Adults
Credit: FEMA

Third Step: Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Create an emergency preparedness kit. Here's a Disaster Supplies Checklist from FEMA.


Video From FEMA for Kids

Disaster Preparedness Games-Elementary and Middle School Students

Get ready for some serious adventure. Step into the heart of the action as you help the heroes face everything from home fires to earthquakes. What should they do?

Disaster Master Game from Ready.gov
Credit: Ready.gov

You're on a mission. Go though different locations with Gayle and her friends to find what you need for an emergency kit. Will you pick the correct items? Have fun and build a checklist along the way. 

Be a Hero, Build a Kit Game from Ready.gov
Credit: Ready.gov

Great Resources for Elementary-Age Students

This activity book is designed to teach young children and their families about how to stay safe during disasters and emergencies. 

Prepare with Pedro
Credit: Red Cross

From the Red Cross: "Download the cobranded Red Cross and Disney Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book, which teaches youth how to be prepared and stay safe during disasters."

Red Cross/Disney Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
Credit: Red Cross

Recommended Books About Extreme Weather

Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Sandstorms, Hailstorms, Blizzards, Hurricanes, and More!

By: National Geographic Kids

100 Facts About Weather With Explanations: Unlocking the Weather’s Secrets and Exploring the Mysteries of Mother Nature (100 Fascinating Facts for Kids)

By: Hunter Hazelton

 

Laura Nietzer

The National Preparedness Month lesson plan was created by MY HERO Teacher and Learning Circle Director Laura Nietzer.

MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom

MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources

Teachers Calendar
Credit: MY HERO

Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom

Related Pages and Resources

Poco a Poco (Little by Little)

Asya Rachitsky

2017 Hurricane Maria Devastated Puerto Rico

External Links

Save the Children: Get Ready, Get Safe
Credit: Save the Children
American Red Cross How to Prepare for Emergencies
Credit: Red Cross

Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program

Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.

Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.

Students can submit their films for free with a waiver to the MY HERO International Film Festival.


Organizer created on 7/30/2019 3:04:51 PM by Laura Nietzer

Last edited 9/1/2023 8:37:04 AM by Laura Nietzer

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